St. James Grade 1 Students Explore Emotional Awareness with Ontario SPCA Visit 🐶

On February 11th, Grade 1 students at St. James Catholic Elementary School had a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of emotions—both their own and those of animals—through an interactive visit from the Ontario SPCA.

Led by engaging discussions and educational videos, the session helped students recognize that, just like humans, animals express emotions in different ways. By observing how animals react to joy, fear, or stress—whether through wagging tails or seeking a quiet space—students drew meaningful connections to their own emotional experiences.

One student shared that learning about their dog’s feelings made them more attentive to its needs, while others reflected on how the videos helped them better understand their own emotions. The experience encouraged students to become more empathetic, not only toward animals but also toward their peers, fostering greater emotional awareness and understanding.

This visit was a valuable opportunity for students to develop mindfulness and compassion, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and respecting the emotions of all living beings.